Six of the Best... Hair Masks

With a fresh fruit scent (think ripe raspberries and mangos) this is a lovely product to wake up to in the mornings. The mask has a consistency of moisturiser; making it easy to run through the ends of your hair. Aimed at people with coloured hair, it works in just one use to inject shine and softness to your ‘do; no easy feat for over-processed hair.

Essential Repair Restorative Hair Masque, £23.50, by Pureology

Another mask in a tube (great idea) this is perfect for beach holidays as it works to counteract the effects of sun, salt and chlorine thanks in part to the nourishing almond butter. You also only need to leave it on your hair for between one and five minutes which leaves you more time to drink cocktails on the beach rather than showering in your apartment. ELLE’s top tip: keep it in your beach bag and apply during the day to condition your hair when it’s at its most vulnerable.

Su / Pak Nourishing Replenishing Mask, £16.60 by Davines. Enq: 020 3307 5449

This is a luxury product from the stylish packaging to the indulgent ingredients (the musk rose oil gives it a beautiful scent), of course this is reflected in the price. Leave this on for ten minutes then dry and style as usual. It works to make hair look expensive and you should notice that your hair is much shinier with more body. Our tester said it was like “a salon treatment at home” making it well worth the investment.

Full Shimmer Illuminating Treatment, £38.50 by Shu Uemura at feelunique.com

This is one easy mask to use. With a pump action bottle it’s fuss (and mess) free and the leave on time is a mere 3-5 minutes making this ideal for hair nourishment on-the-go. Containing antioxidant acai berry and conditioning argan oil this mask has some impressive ingredients and it shows in the results. Hair is softer and much more manageable after each use and the effect lasts days.

Colorcarethérapie Delicate Care Masque, £11.75 by Matrix Biolage

Kerastase consistently launch great quality hair products that really work and this mask is no exception. It nourishes the hair as most masks do, however its point of difference is that with heat (hairdryer, straighteners) the mask becomes ‘activated’ trapping the nourishing ingredients deep into the hairs’ core. The heat combined with the mask also creates a film to protect the hair and prevent dryness. Clever.

Nutri-Thermique Masque, £25.30 by Kerastase at Richard John

In a mess-free, easy-to-travel-with tube this Quenching Masque is the ideal companion for your hair on holiday. With a subtle hint of fruit and a good thick consistency you simply apply to the hair and wait. On really dry, frazzled hair work the masque all over the hair and scalp massaging as you go; leave it on for ten minutes (or if you’re in a hurry five will suffice) to give hair a much needed boost. Our tester said “it was a hair-saver on holiday”.

Quenching Hair Masque, £27 by Bumble and bumble. Enq: 0800 014 7424